Validating eNose Measurement of Daily Fiber Intake

Monitoring dietary intake and digestion is important for both medical monitoring and assessing the wellness of individuals. Fiber is an important nutrient that is not focused on enough, despite it being an essential nutrient for the bacteria and other micro-organisms that reside in our GI Tracts, known as the microbiome. Ingestion of fermentable soluble and insoluble dietary fiber has been shown to result in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by the colonic microbiome. These SCFAs are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can be detected in the atmosphere of a bowel movement. We have developed an e-Nose device that once placed in the bathroom records volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the ambient air. We have demonstrated in an "N of 1" study a strong correlation between the eNose output and grams of daily fiber intake.The current study is being proposed to validate the e-Nose device on a larger population. This is a nonmedical device that is not regulated by the FDA. A total of 40 subjects are invited to participate in this 2-week study. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and provide stool and blood samples. The subjects will place the eNose device in their bathroom and record their daily food intake over a 2-week period.

Inclusion Criteria:Males and females, age 30-65, with no chronic medical diseases (mild and controlled hypertension, and controlled hyperlipidemia are acceptable).Willingness to eat 1 prebiotic bar per day for one week and collect stool samples three times, provide blood samples twice and complete questionnaires 3 times during each of the three study visits (visit 2 is virtual).Exclusion Criteria:Patients on a restricted diet (e.g., gluten-free diet, Paleo diet, vegetarian or vegan diet)Allergy to almonds, flax seed, or coconutsChronic GI disorders (Inflammatory bowel disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome on regular therapy taking fiber or MiraLAX is acceptable to be enrolled; celiac disease, colon cancer, intestinal resection,)Chronic NSAID use (more than 3 days per week)Antibiotic use in the last 12 weeksBMI > 35 or < 18Inability to sign an informed consent formNon-English speaker